Minnesota Vikings Trade Rumors

Montana's prediction: Favre will be back with the Vikings
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March 19
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Count Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana among the many who believe Brett Favre will return to the Vikings next season. In an interview with ESPNLosAngeles.com, Montana said he believes Favre already has made up his mind but is waiting to announce his decision. "He says he's not sure [about playing] because he doesn't want to go to training camp. He's smart," Montana told the website. "I'm sure he already has that agreement with them. Nine chances out of 10 they already know and they've already had this whole conversation and they should just let everybody know because they know he's going to come back. "He knows he's going to come back, but the reason they don't say anything is because ..."
Tomlinson: Favre didn't tip hand
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March 17
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"LaDainian Tomlinson said Brett Favre didn't talk about his plans for next season and that he didn't ask him either when the two future Hall of Famers spoke by phone last week. Favre's phone call was part of the Vikings recruiting sales pitch to the former Chargers running back. Tomlinson ultimately signed a two-year contract with the Jets after visiting both teams. Several conflicting media reports surfaced the past few days about Favre's actual involvement in the process, but Tomlinson said they simply talked in general terms. "As far as what Brett said, he really he didn't say much," Tomlinson said. "He just said people in both organizations are great. He told me to take my time and ..."
Horrific injury can't keep E.J. on the sideline, should be healthy for training camp
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March 17
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The leg injury E.J. Henderson suffered last December was so horrific that his playing career seemed in question. Less than four months later, the Vikings middle linebacker and team captain was resolute Tuesday night. "Oh, I'm definitely going to play football again," he said. "I really don't think that's a question at this point barring some freak occurrence. But I'm definitely going to play football again. It's just a matter of, will I be back in July or August?" Henderson spoke publicly for the first time since he suffered a fractured femur in his left leg against Arizona on Dec. 6. Henderson is a private person by nature, and he politely told a small group of media members several times ..."
LaDainian Tomlinson high on Vikings
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March 12
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"LaDainian Tomlinson left Vikings headquarters holding a purple Vikings jersey at about 5:15 p.m. Thursday, entered a black limousine alone and parted. The free-agent running back still plans to visit with the New York Jets. Vikings coach Brad Childress said in a text message: "Had a good visit here. Promised the Jets he'd get on the plane. He's a man of his word." The longtime San Diego Chargers running back reportedly told Sports Illustrated that he would visit the Jets today but that the Vikings made a strong impression on him. "Says he really liked what he heard from the vikes, but will visit the jets tomorrow," Sports Illustrated senior writer Jim Trotter wrote on his Twitter page. ..."
Eagles eyeing Ray Edwards, report says
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March 12
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Delaware County (Pa.) Times reported that the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to try to sign Vikings free-agent defensive end Ray Edwards. The report made no mention of a possible timetable. The Vikings tendered Edwards, a restricted free agent, at a first-round level for $2.521 million for one year. If Edwards receives an offer from another team, the Vikings would have seven days to match it. If they don't, the Vikings would receive a first-round draft pick."
Tomlinson takes jersey and runs
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March 12
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Having spent his entire nine-year NFL career with San Diego, LaDainian Tomlinson likely had forgotten what it was like to be courted by another team. That changed Wednesday when the running back began his free-agent visit with the Vikings. "It's like recruiting all over again, like going from high school to college," Tomlinson said. "You just kind of have to get a feel and see where you fit in at and see how it goes." After spending much of Thursday listening to the Vikings make their pitch at Winter Park, Tomlinson decided he wanted to hear what at least one other team had to say. Just after 5 p.m., Tomlinson, holding a purple Vikings jersey that might end up being nothing more than a ..."
Jets the next visit for LT?
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March 11
ESPN.com
 
"LaDainian Tomlinson is in Minnesota for a visit, and the Vikings believe he could be a good fit. Tomlinson, too, thinks he could be a good fit for Minnesota. The running back is scheduled to meet with coach Brad Childress and other members of the organization on Thursday. The 2006 NFL MVP was released by the San Diego Chargers last month after the least-productive season of his prolific nine-year career. Tomlinson's travels are not scheduled to end in Minnesota. Following Thursday's trip in Minnesota, Tomlinson is now scheduled to visit the New York Jets on Friday, a source close to the situation told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Whether Tomlinson actually arrives in New York is another ..."
Bills bringing DT Kennedy in for a visit
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March 11
Buffalo News
 
"One day after addressing their offensive line needs, the Buffalo Bills are focusing on filling a big hole in the middle of their defense. Minnesota free agent defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy is scheduled to visit One Bills Drive today, according to a league source. Kennedy, 30, has played for four teams in his eight years in the NFL, starting 31 games. He was a huge disappointment during his first four seasons with the St. Louis Rams, who took him with the 12th overall pick in the 2003 draft. The Rams traded him in 2007 to Denver, where he was waived before playing a game. The Chicago Bears picked him up for the last three games that season but declined to match a one- year contract offer ..."
Kennedy to visit Bills
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March 11
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"While waiting for LaDainian Tomlinson and Vikings officials to finish their meal Wednesday evening in downtown Minneapolis, we learned that the team's lone remaining unrestricted free agent, Jimmy Kennedy, had set up a visit Thursday with the Buffalo Bills. NFL.com was the first to report the story. Kennedy has turned into a nice backup at defensive tackle behind Kevin and Pat Williams since joining the Vikings in early December 2008. But it's possible Kennedy is looking for a bigger pay day and more playing time (possibly both) than what the Vikings are willing to offer."
Brewster has nothing but high praise for LT
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March 11
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Sid Hartman
"If the Vikings listen to Gophers football coach Tim Brewster, they will sign former Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson on his visit here Thursday. Brewster spent three years on the Chargers staff as tight ends coach from 2002 to '04, taking on additional duties as assistant head coach in 2004. "He takes an extremely professional attitude to a job," Brewster said of Tomlinson, perhaps the NFL's greatest running back of the past decade. "He's one of the hardest-working players I've ever been around. He's one of the classiest players. He does a great job of helping young players." Asked if Tomlinson, who turns 31 this summer, has anything left, Brewster said: "Absolutely, in the right ..."
Wooing of Tomlinson begins at steakhouse
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March 11
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Word that the Vikings were going to make a pitch to sign free-agent LaDainian Tomlinson was met with questions about whether the veteran running back would be willing to play second fiddle to Adrian Peterson. Tomlinson fashioned a Hall of Fame résumé in nine NFL seasons with San Diego, rushing for 12,490 yards to put him eighth on the league's all-time list. He is second in rushing touchdowns (138) and third in total touchdowns (153). So could his ego take replacing Chester Taylor and being the third-down back behind Peterson? After enjoying a meal of pan-roasted chicken Wednesday night at Manny's Steakhouse in downtown Minneapolis, Tomlinson made it clear that not only could he handle the ..."
Childress says he's all about clarity in defining a role for Tomlinson
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March 11
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Will they sign him? You can bet that question wafted through minds all across the nation when word leaked that former all-pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson was expected to visit the Vikings. The NFL Network reported that the parties met Wednesday. As for the answer, I tried getting it from Vikings coach Brad Childress. BS: LaDainian Tomlinson's career is his résumé. Are you bringing him in with the hope of signing him, or do you need to learn something you don't already know? BC: I think probably he's coming in, touching and tasting us, and we're doing the same thing to see where his mind is at. I had a great conversation with him (Tuesday). I interrupted him on the golf course. I was ..."
Vikings say Rhys Lloyd is here to kick off, not to challenge Ryan Longwell
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March 11
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"When the Vikings signed kicker Rhys Lloyd to a two-year contract earlier this week, it wasn't to challenge Ryan Longwell as the team's field goal and PAT specialist. Lloyd, who has one of the strongest legs in the NFL, was brought in to handle kickoffs. "Ryan is going to be our field-goal kicker, and Ryan has done very well in that aspect," Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said Wednesday. "Rhys was just another guy who had a unique trait, a unique quality." Lloyd, a former University of Minnesota player, handled kickoffs the past two seasons for the Carolina Panthers. He led the NFL with 30 touchbacks in 2008 and had 21 last season, tying him for fourth-most in the ..."
Vikings free-agent defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy to visit Buffalo Bills
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March 11
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy, who was a key part of the Vikings' defensive line rotation last season, has a free-agent visit scheduled with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. The Bills need to upgrade their line, and Kennedy could fill a void. He's coming off a strong season and is turning into a late bloomer after being labeled a first-round bust in St. Louis. Said Kennedy in a text message about the trip to Buffalo: "A few interested teams... Taking it one visit at a time... If I make it out of Buffalo... I will go to next team." Kennedy didn't reveal the specific teams. When asked what he likes about the Bills, he replied, "I'll let you know that... If I sign.""
Tomlinson deserves offer he can't refuse
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March 11
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 columnist Bob Sansevere
"You've heard the talk about LaDainian Tomlinson: He's no longer an elite running back, not nearly as dangerous as he once was. And it's true. Tomlinson isn't a franchise back. If he were, the San Diego Chargers never would have released him. The thing is, he doesn't have to be the LaDainian Tomlinson of old. The current version is plenty good enough to help the Vikings, and not just on the field. Tomlinson is a class act. And a leader. And the kind of player who could have an influence on the entire locker room and, in particular, Adrian Peterson. Tomlinson has eight fumbles in his career. If just that part of Tomlinson rubs off on Peterson, he would be worth his weight and then some in ..."
Sapp re-signs with Vikings
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March 10
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Cornerback Benny Sapp has re-signed with the Vikings, according to a tweet from his agent Andy Simms. Sapp became an unrestricted free agent last week and tested the market before re-signing. Sapp's return is good news for the Vikings since it's unclear when Cedric Griffin will be ready to play after having surgery to repair an torn ACL. Sapp started last season as the nickel back but he took over at left corner when Antoine Winfield suffered a foot injury. Winfield was not 100 percent when he returned so he played in the slot as the nickel while Sapp remained as the starter."
Will LT join forces with AP?
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March 10
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Adrian Peterson's production through his first three NFL seasons gives him a chance to one day be considered Hall of Fame material. By the end of the week, there is a good possibility Peterson will be playing in front of a guy who appears to have a place in Canton, Ohio, already locked up. Longtime San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson is expected to visit with the Vikings on Thursday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, and if an agreement on playing time and money can be reached, he could be a Viking shortly thereafter. Tomlinson, who will turn 31 on June 23, has been identified as the Vikings' top choice to take over the third-down role that Chester ..."
LaDainian Tomlinson to meet with Vikings on Thursday
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March 10
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Running back LaDainian Tomlinson will make a free-agent visit Thursday to the Vikings, according to Sports Illustrated. Tomlinson could be a replacement for Chester Taylor, who signed a four-year, $12.5 million deal with Chicago on Friday. Tomlinson was released by San Diego, so he wouldn't count toward the restrictions the Vikings are facing in free agency as one of the final four teams in the playoffs. Tomlinson averaged 3.3 yards per carry last season, and there are concerns about his explosiveness after nine years and 2,880 carries in San Diego. But as a third-down back, the role the Vikings must fill with Taylor gone, he could be a good fit in Minnesota. He has 530 career catches, ..."
Tomlinson visiting Vikes on Thurs.
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March 9
SI.com
 
"Running back LaDainian Tomlinson will visit with the Vikings on Thursday, a league source said. Minnesota is seeking to replace Chester Taylor, an eight-year veteran who signed a free-agent deal with the Bears on Friday. The Vikings have Pro Bowl starting running back Adrian Peterson, but are looking for a capable complement, particularly in passing situations. Tomlinson, who was released last month after nine years with San Diego -- where he set or tied 28 franchise records, including career rushing yards and touchdowns -- has had at least 50 receptions eight times. He also is a sure-handed ball-carrier, which is attractive to the Vikings because Peterson lost six fumbles in 314 carries ..."
Do the Vikings have interest in LT?
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March 9
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Vikings landed their first free agent Monday night when former Gophers kicker Rhys Lloyd agreed to a two-year contract, and it appears the team has its sights set on another whose acquisition would create plenty of buzz. Although nothing is imminent, the Vikings appear to have a genuine interest in running back LaDainian Tomlinson. He would be a possible replacement for Chester Taylor, who left the Vikings after four seasons to sign with Chicago. Tomlinson spent nine years with San Diego and was the NFL's MVP in 2006, establishing single-season records with 31 touchdowns and 186 points. He also won the NFL rushing title that season and again in 2007. However, the 30-year-old was ..."
Vikings have plan to get Favre to return
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March 8
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Sid Hartman
"Rest assured the Vikings, the Wilf family that owns the team, coach Brad Childress and others in the organization have a plan they will follow to try to get Brett Favre to return for a second season of his contract, one that will pay the 40-year-old quarterback about $13 million in 2010. No doubt one of the first moves in the plan was Childress' visit to Favre's home in Hattiesburg, Miss., where the coach spent all day Wednesday. If Favre didn't have any interest in playing football another year, I would think he would have not welcomed Childress like he did to his home. I believe Favre will definitely come back under the same terms of last season, when he didn't have to take part in ..."
Brett Favre watching Vikings now, waiting to decide about next season
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March 7
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 columnist Charley Walters
"After Brett Favre's first public appearance since the NFC championship game on the 'Tonight Show' with Jay Leno last week, it's still unknown whether the future Hall of Fame quarterback will return to the Vikings next season. The drama now appears to be a six-week waiting game. There are several angles to this year's Favre circus. If he truly planned to retire, it would seem he already would have announced it, as future hall of famer Kurt Warner did after his season ended last year with the Arizona Cardinals. So Favre's game plan now could be that he and agent Bus Cook are waiting for Vikings owner Zygi Wilf to improve the $13 million contract he already has for the coming season."
Guard Artis Hicks reportedly will visit Lions
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March 6
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Lions have at least one free-agent guard on their radar: Artis Hicks, an eight-year NFL veteran who spent the last four years with the Vikings. Chip Scoggins, who covers the Vikings for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, posted on his Twitter page that he has confirmed Hicks will visit Washington, Arizona and Detroit in the next few days. Hicks, 31, fits the Lions' profile in terms of size. He's listed at 6-feet-4 and 335 pounds. He played all 16 games for the Vikings last year, with three starts. He hasn't been a full-time starter since 2004-06, when he started 41 games for the Eagles and Vikings."
Taylor agrees to deal with Bears
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March 5
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Chester Taylor has agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth $12.5 million, according to a league source. Taylor will be guaranteed $7 million. The numbers are surprising since Taylor will turn 31 in September. But Taylor only started one full season, gaining 1,216 rushing yards, before Adrian Peterson took over as the Minnesota Vikings No. 1 tailback. Taylor, though, remained a valued part of the Vikings offense, and he completed his four-year, $14.1 million with the club."
Sources: Peppers and Taylor to Bears imminent
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March 5
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Bears signing of free-agent defensive end Julius Peppers is imminent, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. A separate source has told Sean Jensen of the Sun-Times that former Vikings running back Chester Taylor will also sign with the Bears today. A press conference announcing the signings of Peppers, Taylor and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna is expected to be held at Halas Hall later this afternoon. The source said that although the Patriots and Eagles have also made offers for Peppers, the deal the Bears are offering is worth more per season and it would be a huge upset if Peppers left Halas Hall, where he is visiting today, without signing what is expected to be a ..."
Brett Favre chats with Jay Leno but doesn't tip his hand about next season
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March 5
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Brett Favre told Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show" he has not decided whether he will return to the Vikings in 2010, saying he was prepared to "sit back, relax and enjoy the offseason." Appearing as the second guest on Thursday's show, Favre and Leno traded off Favre's notorious indecision in a taped skit and a mock retirement/one-more-year celebration on stage. After several questions about Favre's health, his career and his experience in 2009 leading the Vikings to the NFC championship game, Leno saved his most important question of the evening for last. "What are your thoughts for next year?" Leno asked Favre. "C'mon!" an audience member yelled. Applause and cheers erupted as Favre grinned ..."
Vikings' Taylor expected to have a short stay on free-agent market
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March 5
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Running back Chester Taylor shouldn't be on the market long. Taylor, who has spent the past four seasons with the Vikings, could agree to a new contract with another team within 48 hours after the start of free agency, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Taylor and his agent are expected to visit with the Chicago Bears today, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. The NFL's free-agency period began at 11:01 p.m. Thursday. Taylor's stock is high around the NFL because of the minimal wear and tear on his body, according to reports. Although he is 30, he's been a backup most of his career and has had more than 160 carries just once in his career. In 2006, his first season in ..."
Favre stays on a silent count
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March 5
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"One of the NFL's best quarterbacks, and certainly its most indecisive, took his act to Hollywood on Thursday. Fittingly, he remained committed to being noncommittal. During an appearance on NBC's "Tonight Show," Brett Favre told host Jay Leno he hasn't decided whether he will return to the Vikings in 2010 and that no one should hold their breath waiting for that announcement. "It's only been a month, and I know now that I'm just not going to say anything anytime soon, just going to kind of sit back, relax, enjoy the offseason," Favre said. The quarterback's first public comments since the Vikings' 31-28 overtime loss to New Orleans on Jan. 24 in the NFC Championship Game marked a departure ..."
Taylor quickly sets Bears visit
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March 5
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Running back Chester Taylor hit the free-agent market late Thursday night, and it didn't take long for him to draw interest. Only minutes after the start of free agency, Taylor had scheduled a Friday visit with the Chicago Bears, according to a league source. The Chicago Tribune reported that the Bears also are bringing in former Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers for a visit Friday. Taylor, who spent four seasons with the Vikings, figured to draw a lot of attention after becoming an unrestricted free agent at 11:01 p.m. Taylor turns 31 in September, but he has spent most of his eight-year career as a backup so he hasn't endured as much wear and tear on his body. Taylor has ..."
Keeping Taylor is of utmost importance
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March 5
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Sid Hartman
"Memo to Zygi and Mark Wilf, owners of the Minnesota Vikings: Since you bought the team, you have done a fantastic job of signing free agents and bringing in talent, spending big money for great players such as Jared Allen, Bernard Berrian, Steve Hutchinson, Madieu Williams, Brett Favre and others. You have spent millions of dollars in making it possible for Brad Childress and his staff to coach a team that came within one official's bad call from going to the Super Bowl -- a game I have no doubt in my mind the Vikings would have won to bring the championship to Minnesota. Well, because this is the final year of the NFL's current collective bargaining agreement, a new set of rules is in ..."
Vikings still talking with Taylor; Edwards lands top 'tender'
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March 4
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Vikings and the agent for running back Chester Taylor were believed to be engaging in discussions about a new contract Wednesday. If they don't reach an agreement, Taylor will become an unrestricted free agent at 11:01 p.m. Thursday night and will be free to test the market. Taylor and three other Vikings players -- offensive linemen Artis Hicks, cornerback Benny Sapp and defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy -- are set to become unrestricted free agents. The Vikings met with the agents of all their free agents at the NFL scouting combine last week in preparation for the start of the free agency period. Taylor's agent Ken Sarnoff was believed to have had more discussions with the Vikings on ..."
Paymah to hit free-agent market
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March 4
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Vikings don't plan to offer a tender to restricted free agent Karl Paymah, meaning the cornerback will be free to sign with another team as of 11:01 p.m. Thursday. Paymah was signed by the Vikings as a free agent last spring after he spent his first four seasons with the Denver Broncos. Added in large part because of his value on special teams, Paymah played in the first 12 games of the season and saw time at cornerback after Antoine Winfield suffered a broken foot in October. However, he did not play in a game after the Vikings' loss at Arizona on Dec. 6. Paymah, who was seventh on the Vikings with 12 special teams tackles, declined to say why he was no longer playing when asked late ..."
Vikings offer first-round tender to DE Ray Edwards, third-round tender to QB Tarvaris Jackson
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March 4
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Vikings moved Wednesday to offer tenders to many of their restricted free agents. It could be the biggest flurry of activity for the team during this free-agency period because of restrictions it is facing. The Vikings have offered defensive end Ray Edwards a first-round tender, according to a source. Coming off the best season of his career, Edwards would get a one-year contract worth $2.521 million, more than doubling the $1.01 million he was paid last season. The tender to Edwards was the biggest Vikings news on the eve of free agency, which opens at 11:01 tonight. That starts the market for running back Chester Taylor, who could make a fairly significant splash of his own. The ..."
Bears could target versatile Vikings RB Taylor
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March 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"Could the Bears strike back at the Minnesota Vikings for the loss of Bernard Berrian two years ago? Admittedly, the Bears are not in position to swipe Adrian Peterson away from their NFC North rival, the way the Vikings signed away the Bears' top receiver in free agency two years ago. But Chester Taylor is a valuable commodity as a complement to Peterson, and he will be an unrestricted free agent if he doesn't re-sign with Minnesota before 11:01 p.m. Thursday. The Bears are believed to be interested in Taylor and he could come in and compete with Matt Forte for the starting job. "This past year we weren't as pleased as we would like to be with our running back situation," coach Lovie Smith ..."
Vikings set to meet with Taylor's agent
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February 28
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Vikings should get a better feel if they will be able to retain pending free agent Chester Taylor after team officials meet with the running back's agent this week at the NFL Scouting Combine. Taylor stands to become an unrestricted free agent next week, and if the Vikings feel they are going to be unable to keep him, it would not be surprising for them to turn their attention to Brian Westbrook. The veteran was informed by the Eagles this week that he would be released March 5, when the league's new fiscal year begins. He already has been given permission to talk to other teams. Westbrook told a Philadelphia radio station Wednesday that three or four teams already had been in contact ..."
Vikings' Spielman says he has no feel on Favre decision
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February 26
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Rick Spielman apparently won't be staying up to watch Brett Favre on "The Tonight Show" next week. "I'm usually not up that late at night," said Spielman, the Vikings' vice president of player personnel. "I'll — what's that thing? — TiVo it." It says something about Favre that people even consider watching him talk to Jay Leno (Thursday, if you're interested) to figure out whether he's going to play next season. Even Spielman might get some insight into what the quarterback is thinking. So far, that's been hard to come by. Spielman and the Vikings are still waiting to hear what Favre will do. There's really no way to know when Favre will make his decision. "You know, you just go on day to ..."
Vikings set to meet with Taylor's agent
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February 26
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Vikings should get a better feel if they will be able to retain pending free agent Chester Taylor after team officials meet with the running back's agent this week at the NFL Scouting Combine. Taylor stands to become an unrestricted free agent next week, and if the Vikings feel they are going to be unable to keep him, it would not be surprising for them to turn their attention to Brian Westbrook. The veteran was informed by the Eagles this week that he would be released March 5, when the league's new fiscal year begins. He already has been given permission to talk to other teams. Westbrook told a Philadelphia radio station Wednesday that three or four teams already had been in contact ..."
Deep draft bodes well for Vikings, who won't participate heavily in free agency
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February 25
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"This spring's NFL draft is the deepest Rick Spielman has seen in years. That's a good thing for the Vikings, because the draft carries added weight for them this season. They likely will face tight restrictions in free agency if, as expected, no new collective bargaining agreement is reached by March 5. "Knowing that you're not going to be a participant or you're on the sideline a little bit from the (unrestricted free-agent) market, this emphasizes how important this draft is going to be," said Spielman, the Vikings' vice president of player personnel. The Vikings hold the 30th pick in the draft, and with much talent on the board, especially defensively, there's a good chance the team ..."
Westbrook hits market; Vikings a fit?
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February 24
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Chargers' decision to release LaDainian Tomlinson on Monday set off speculation whether the Vikings might be interested in the veteran running back provided Chester Taylor leaves as an unrestricted free agent. Well, another name has now joined the list. The Eagles have announced their intention to jettison Brian Westbrook after eight seasons. The 30-year-old Westbrook would have been due $7.25 million this season and has battled concussion, knee and ankle problems. Westbrook's availability is interesting because if you are going to connect the dots from Tomlinson to Minnesota, it wouldn't seem to be a stretch to do the same for Westbrook and the Vikings. The issue, of course, becomes ..."
Leber expects Favre back
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February 24
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Vikings linebacker Ben Leber said he believes Brett Favre will return to play next season. Leber just doesn't know when Favre will make his decision. But he hopes it's sooner rather than later. "We would love to have the guy back," Leber said Monday during an interview with the NFL Network. "I think my gut feeling is that he is going to come back. I hope my gut is right. I think a respectable timetable is to let us know as early as possible." Leber noted if Favre makes a decision in a timely manner it would help the team set its course this offseason. "With everything that we have, the ingredients of this team, what we hopefully can do next year — give us the time to maybe do something in ..."
Vikings expect Williams to return
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February 18
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Judd reported last weekend that the Vikings expect veteran nose tackle Pat Williams to return for his 14th season and his agent confirmed that. That really comes as no surprise even though Williams said after the season that it was 50-50 whether he would return. Williams' agent Angelo Wright said his client was never seriously thinking about retiring with a year left on his contract. Williams sounded more like a veteran who was emotionally and physically tired after a long season than a guy who was ready to walk away completely. Wright spent time with Williams in Dallas last weekend and said his client feels good. "He was fatigued and tired and coming off an exasperating loss," Wright ..."
Brett Favre 'thank all of my fans for a memorable season' but sheds no light on future
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February 12
USA Today
 
"Vikings QB Brett Favre clearly had some fun in his 19th NFL season, arguably his best statistically even though he fell one win short of guiding Minnesota to Super Bowl XLIV. Via his website, Favre expounded on the 2009 campaign and paid tribute to his legion of supporters: "I want to thank all of my fans for a memorable season. While the season didn't end in Miami as we had all hoped, I couldn't have enjoyed this season any more than I did. "When I decided to return to the NFL to play my 19th season, I did so with some trepidation. After all, I was joining a new team in a new city, for the archrivals of the 'green and gold.' And I'm not getting any younger. "I couldn't be happier about ..."
Preparing for life after Chester?
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February 11
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"There have been all types of rumblings in recent weeks about what the Vikings might do when it comes to pending free agent Chester Taylor. This has ranged from the Vikings considering putting the franchise tag on Taylor -- that would be an extremely interesting move to make for a backup running back -- to the team simply letting the 30-year-old depart as an unrestricted free agent when he hits the market on March 5. Well, it seems the Vikings are at least preparing for the fact they might lose Taylor. According to the Detroit News, the Vikings made an offer to DeDe Dorsey before he signed a two-year contract with the Lions this week. Dorsey said he also received an offer from the St. Louis ..."
Vikings coaches all appear set to return
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February 2
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Vikings coaching staff is likely to remain intact for the 2010 season. That became more of a certainty Monday when the Chicago Bears hired Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator. Vikings quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers had been a finalist for the job, by all accounts impressing everyone during his interview Thursday at Halas Hall. Rogers, 58, has been with the Vikings since 2006, Brad Childress' first year as coach. Rogers also had been linked to offensive coordinator openings at the collegiate level with Syracuse and Virginia, but both those jobs are filled. Syracuse coach Doug Marrone is going to double as the offensive coordinator; Virginia hired former Seattle Seahawks assistant ..."
NFL might take further action against Bryant McKinnie
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February 1
Palm Beach Post
 
"The NFL on Sunday was reportedly looking into the possibility of further discipline against Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, who was dismissed from the Pro Bowl on Saturday for missed practices. According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail that McKinnie's actions would "be reviewed for a possible fine in addition to his loss of Pro Bowl check." Aiello also said a suspension was not being contemplated, he did not rule it out as "we have not completed our review." McKinnie's absence forced David Diehl of the Giants and Jason Peters of the Eagles to play the entire game, and Diehl wasn't happy about it. "I can't speak for him, but I ..."
Kris Jenkins: Brett Favre's 'superstar status' caused 'animosity' in New York
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January 31
USA Today
 
"Vikings QB Brett Favre pulled out of tonight's Pro Bowl after the vicious beating he took from the Saints in last weekend's NFC Championship Game. But even Favre's image took a bit of a shot in Friday night's NFL Total Access on NFL Network (watch the video) when former Jets teammate Kris Jenkins said Favre's presence caused a rift in the New York locker room in 2008, though it's possible the issues could have been more rooted in jealousy among Favre's teammates that season. When asked if the locker room chemistry was ok when Brett was a Jet, Jenkins replied, "No, no it was not." And though he didn't call out Favre or any of his teammates in particular, Jenkins cited some negative comments ..."
Let the speculation begin: McNabb a possibility in Minnesota?
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January 28
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"First off, let me make it clear that there is a reason covering the Vikings is so much fun. That's because there is an endless supply of speculation to keep a beat writer busy 12 months a year. Want evidence? Well, here it is. Three days after the Vikings' heart-breaking loss to New Orleans in the NFC Championship Game, there already is conjecture about what the franchise might do at quarterback. Yes, Brett Favre is signed for 2010 and all indications are the Vikings want him back, but what fun is actually waiting on a decision from him? Instead, the name being thrown out there as a possibility to replace Favre is longtime Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. The reality is that just when ..."
Vikes to pursue McNabb if Favre walks
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January 27
ESPN.com
 
"I think this is a no-brainer for Brad Childress if Brett Favre retires. And by trading for McNabb, you'd basically be blocking Favre from changing his mind and trying to return to Minneapolis. John Clayton said on ESPNEWS on Tuesday that the Vikings will make a play for McNabb if Favre walks away. He thinks that the Vikes might be willing to trade the No. 62 overall pick for McNabb. Something tells me, though, the Eagles will be asking for a first-rounder. By the way, McNabb's old quarterbacks coach at Syracuse is now in the same position with the Vikings."
Will Favre return? Childress won't be shocked either way
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January 27
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Vikings coach Brad Childress spent some time with Brett Favre in the training room early Tuesday morning before Favre hopped a flight home to Mississippi. They didn't talk about Favre's future, but the biggest question of the Vikings offseason lingers: Was Tuesday his final day at Winter Park? "I don't have an expectation," Childress said. "I know he had a great experience here. I know it too well to know that emotions are a little bit raw right now. We're still too close to it. He's earned his time to be able to step away from it and talk to his family and figure out what he wants to do. But I don't have a strong expectation one way or the other. It would not surprise me one way or the ..."
Vikings teammates lobbying for Brett Favre's return
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January 26
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Pat Williams probably isn't the best guy to start the campaign for Brett Favre's return next season. The veteran defensive tackle doesn't know whether he'll return to the Vikings, either, so he understands the real value of lobbying at this point. "That's all up to Brett," he said, "so I don't know what you're going to do." That didn't stop teammates from trying Monday, the day after a rare and sometimes magical season ended with a 31-28 overtime loss to New Orleans in the NFC championship game. After the game, Favre reportedly told ESPN's Ed Werder it is "highly unlikely" he will play again. Favre, 40, came out of retirement to join the Vikings the week of their second exhibition game in ..."